[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E245]]
  HONORING JOHN NANCE GARNER ELEMENTARY UPON ITS 20TH-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Nance 
Garner Elementary for its 20th Anniversary of providing a superb 
education for the students of Grand Prairie, Texas.
  The middle years of the 1980's found Grand Prairie south of I-20 to 
be a quiet, nearly rural collection of established county homes 
accented by a growing number of brand new housing developments. The 
need was clear for a new elementary school to serve the children who 
would eventually explode into this area with a force that no one yet 
imagined.-
  John Nance Garner's doors opened in the fall of 1987 to an enrollment 
of 368 students with 14 teachers in grades K-5. Named for the 32nd Vice 
President of the United States under Franklin Roosevelt, the school's 
mascot was All-Stars.
  Twenty years have passed. Unprecedented growth resulting from the 
creation of Joe Pool Lake brought a generation of children through the 
doors at 145 Polo Road. A new wing was built in 1996 to accommodate the 
increasing enrollment, which peaked at over 725 students in 1997. 
Present enrollment hovers just under 500 students.
  Garner Elementary has earned a place of honor in Grand Prairie ISD. 
It has become a family of dedicated educators and loyal volunteers, as 
well as a diverse mix of energetic youngsters who are proud to be 
today's Garner All-Stars.
  The world has changed much since 1987, but at Garner Elementary, the 
focus continues to be making each student feel like an All-Star.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 20th 
Anniversary of John Nance Garner Elementary School.

                          ____________________